VVIQ – The Original Questionnaire by Marks (1973)
The VVIQ (Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire) is the most widely used instrument for measuring visual imagination. Learn about its history, structure and significance — and how you can take a free test today.
What is the VVIQ?
The VVIQ (Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire) was developed in 1973 by British psychologist David Marks. It is the most widely used self-report measure of visual imagery vividness and has been used in over 200 studies.
The questionnaire consists of 16 items in four thematic groups, rated on a scale from 1 to 5. It measures how vividly people can mentally picture everyday scenes. Scores ≤32 are used in research as a convention for aphantasia (Zeman et al. 2015).
The VVIQ is peer-reviewed and shows high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.91–0.96). It is the gold standard of imagery research — a reliable instrument for measuring individual differences in visual imagination.
We do not offer the original VVIQ items for completion. Copyright in the original items rests with David Marks (davidfmarks.net). We respect this — particularly since aphantasie.org offers premium content and commercial use without permission would not be permissible. As an alternative, we developed the VST-16: our own self-test with the same methodology and entirely original items.
How the VVIQ test works
Read the scenario
Carefully read the description of a scene.
Close your eyes
Close your eyes and try to visualize the scenario.
Rate vividness
Rate how clear and vivid your mental image is (1-5).
Get your results
After all 16 scenarios, you'll receive your detailed analysis.
Take the VST-16 test
Allow yourself 5 minutes in a quiet, undisturbed environment.
Take the VST-16 TestFrequently asked questions about VVIQ
What exactly does the VVIQ test measure?
The VVIQ measures the subjective vividness of your visual imagery. It captures how clearly, detailed, and realistically you can imagine scenes in your mind's eye. This is independent of intelligence or creativity – it's purely about the quality of your mental images.
Who is the VVIQ test suitable for?
The VVIQ is suitable for all adults who want to learn more about their visual imagination. It's used both for personal self-discovery and in scientific research. There are no prerequisites – anyone can take the test.
What does my VVIQ score mean?
Your score can range from 16 to 80. A score of 16-32 indicates aphantasia (very weak or no visual imagery). 33-48 shows below-average imagery. 49-64 is average. 65-80 indicates hyperphantasia (very vivid imagery). The average is around 52.
How accurate is the VVIQ test?
The VVIQ is a scientifically validated instrument with high test-retest reliability. It has been used in research for over 50 years and cited in hundreds of studies. However, it's based on self-assessment, meaning results depend on your ability to accurately evaluate your own imagination.
Can I test for hyperphantasia with the VVIQ?
Yes. The VVIQ measures the entire spectrum of visual imagery – from aphantasia to hyperphantasia. A score above 70 (averaging close to 5 per answer) indicates hyperphantasia: exceptionally vivid, almost photorealistic mental images. If you are specifically interested in hyperphantasia, there is also a dedicated hyperphantasia test.
Is the VVIQ test free and online?
Yes. The test is completely free, runs directly in your browser with no sign-up or download, and gives you instant results. It only takes about 5 minutes and you can retake it any time.
Quellen
- David Marks' website (davidfmarks.net) — Marks, D.F. (1973). British Journal of Psychology, 64(1), 17–24.
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Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
What is the VVIQ test?
The Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) is a scientifically validated self-test developed by David Marks in 1973. It measures how vividly people can picture images in their mind's eye — with 16 questions about four everyday scenes.
How long does the VVIQ test take?
The complete VVIQ test takes about 5 minutes. You answer 16 questions on a 5-point scale and get your result instantly.
What does my VVIQ score mean?
A score of 16–23 suggests aphantasia (no to very weak mental imagery). 24–40 is below average, 41–60 average, 61–75 vivid, 76–80 suggests hyperphantasia (extremely vivid mental imagery).
Is the VVIQ test scientifically recognized?
Yes. The VVIQ has been validated in over 200 peer-reviewed studies, with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.91–0.96). It is the most widely used instrument for measuring visual imagery. Our VST-16 follows this methodology but contains entirely original items.
Does a low score mean I'm sick?
No. Aphantasia is not an illness but a neuropsychological variation. About 3–5 % of people have aphantasia — many discover it in adulthood because the phenomenon was unknown for a long time.